Hanoi, January 5, 2026, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW), in collaboration with Cuc Phuong National Park and Vu Quang National Park, successfully organized the release of 12 Sunda Pangolins (Manis javanica) and 05 Asian Small-clawed Otters (Aonyx cinereus) back into their natural habitat.
(SVW staff and forest rangers conducting the pangolin release)
(The release team traveling to the release site)
All of these animals were evidence confiscated and rescued from illegal wildlife hunting, transportation, and trade cases across the country. After being rescued and brought to the rehabilitation center, these individuals underwent a rigorous process of quarantine, care, recovery, and assessment under the close supervision of experienced caretakers and veterinarians. The results showed that all individuals met the health and behavioral requirements to return to the wild.
(The moment a Sunda Pangolin gets acquainted with its wild home)
(Releasing an otter back into the wild)
Prior to the release, SVW’s Conservation Research team conducted field surveys to identify suitable release sites. The selection was based on three main criteria:
- Ecological conditions matching the biological behaviors of Sunda Pangolins and Asian Small-clawed Otters;
- Abundant and stable natural food sources for each species;
- Strictly protected areas to ensure the safety of the animals post-release.
The selection of the release site plays a pivotal role, not only in increasing the adaptation and survival rates of the animals but also in contributing to the restoration of species populations and the protection of biodiversity in the region.
(A pangolin being fed prior to its release)
Both the Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) and the Asian Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) are listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List and categorized under Group IB according to Circular No. 85/2025/TT-BNNPTNT of Vietnamese law regarding the management of endangered, precious, and rare forest animals. Both species are recorded in the Viet Nam Red List of Threatened Species and listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits all forms of international commercial trade. Any illegal hunting, transporting, or trading of these species is subject to criminal prosecution. However, in reality, violations remain complex due to illegal economic interests.
Since its establishment, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) has successfully rescued nearly 5,000 individual wild animals, including over 1,800 pangolins, making it the largest pangolin rescue unit in Vietnam. Over the past five years, more than 80% of the animals at the Center have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild, making a significant contribution to the recovery of wildlife populations and the conservation of forest ecosystems in Vietnam.
About Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW)
Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 with the mission to “Reverse the decline of ecosystems, protect wildlife habitats, and promote the recovery of threatened species in Vietnam.” Since its inception, SVW has planned and implemented numerous long-term conservation programs and projects. SVW’s direct and on-site conservation programs include Species Conservation, Site Protection, and Community Engagement. For more details, visit our website: https://svw.vn/
